Heartburn is a burning sensation that appears between the pharynx and the stomach.
Heartburn is the discomfort you feel when you notice a burning sensation between the pharynx and the stomach. The etymological origin of the term is found in Greek. Specifically, it derives from pyrosis , which can be translated as “ burn ” and which, in turn, is the result of the sum of the verb pyroun (synonymous with “burn” ) and the suffix -osis (used to indicate a pathological process). ).
Hiatal hernia, the intake of medications that irritate the gastric mucosa (such as aspirin) and esophageal spasms are some of the causes that can lead a person to suffer from heartburn.
The sensation of excessive heat may appear along with the secretion of saliva and an accumulation of gases. Also known as heartburn , heartburn occurs when a person regurgitates gastric acid .
Burning in the chest, difficulty swallowing, a high frequency of eruptions or even feeling acidic flavors in the mouth are some of the symptoms of this disorder.
Development of heartburn
Typically, stomach acid does not come into contact with the esophagus . However, when the esophageal sphincter relaxes when swallowing, it is likely that what had passed into the stomach returns to the esophagus, now mixed with acid . This action is called reflux .
In a healthy functioning body , peristalsis is responsible for controlling reflux while saliva helps neutralize acid. However, in the event of a hiatal hernia or other disorders, heartburn can appear.
There are various treatments for heartburn.
The treatment
There are many ways to combat heartburn. Among the drugs that a doctor can prescribe are so-called proton pump inhibitors, certain antihistamines and, of course, antacids.
Diet control is also important, since some foods have a greater impact on the appearance of reflux and heartburn. Drinking a large amount of water can be helpful, as it helps dilute the acids in the stomach.
It is likely that, when faced with heartburn, the doctor will suggest carrying out various studies to rule out the presence of other illnesses. Endoscopy (with a biopsy of tissue from the esophagus), manometry, and x-rays of the upper digestive tract are some of the possibilities.
Recommendations to avoid heartburn
In addition to the advice given, it is also important to follow another series of recommendations to avoid heartburn:
- You should not drink citrus fruits or coffee because they stimulate the secretion of stomach acids.
- It is advisable not to wear tight clothing.
- In the same way, it is advisable to have dinner at least two or three hours before going to sleep.
- If you are overweight, you have to lose a few kilos because they encourage this problem to arise.
The disorder in pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is common for many women to suffer from heartburn. Hence, among other things, you should choose to avoid highly seasoned foods and eat copious meals.
All this without overlooking that it is also necessary to maintain good hydration during the day, drinking water or natural juices periodically.